Sacrifice before Rebirth

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.    ~ John 12:24 ~

If I hold spiritual blessings or friendship for myself they will corrupt me, no matter how beautiful they are.  I have to pour them out before the Lord, give them to Him in my mind, though it looks as if I am wasting them...  ~Oswald Chambers~

The very longings themselves can be offered to Him who understands perfectly.  The transformation into something He can use for the good of others takes place only when the offering is put into His hands.

What will He do with these offerings?
Never mind. He knows what to do.   

~Elizabeth Elliot~

A good and perfect gift, these natural desires.  

But so much the more necessary that they be 

restrained, controlled, corrected, even crucified, 

that they might be reborn in power and purity for God.

~Elizabeth Elliot~